BY Taylor FallonPublished: June 18, 2010 02:13 PM

The O.C. Regional Diabetes Center, which offers screenings, individual
counseling, classes and support groups, netted the honor because of its
high-caliber medical professionals who offer patients information about
taking care of the disease.

The ADA Education Recognition Certificate demonstrates that a facility's offerings meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Programs apply for the credential voluntarily.

“The (certification) assures the consumer that he or she will likely receive high-quality service,” said Allison Hickey, executive director of the Western Division of the American Diabetes Association.

Nearly 21 million people in the U.S. suffer from the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. More than 4,000 individuals are diagnosed every day. And, the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent since 1987.

“Our focus is to help diabetic patients in our community manage their condition,” said Laura Garcia, the hospital’s diabetes program coordinator.